BEIJING, CHINA — Last weekend, I was given a tour of the Linked Hybrid’s construction site out in Dongzhimen, to the northeast of Central Beijing. Designed by Steven Holl Architects, the Hybrid is a 8-tower habitation complex, complete which outstanding feature is a “link” of bridges connecting the towers at the 20th floor. These structures will be public spaces: shops, cafés, and even a swimming pool.
The Dongzhimen (东直门) hub sees the 2nd ring road traverse it, is a interchange section for subway lines 2 and 13, and will become the city-side terminal to the new Airport Express to be inaugurated just before the Olympic Games. 1.5km away from Donzhimen is the Sanlitun Embassy Area, making the Hybrid an even more attractive choice for Beijing’s class of international dwellers.
The Hybrid is a scheduled for completion in August 2008.